Thousands of antlers shaped into an arch are a popular icon of Jackson, Wyoming

Jackson[6] is in Northwest Wyoming, close to the south end of Grand Teton National Park. It is the gateway to two of the United States' best-known national parks, Grand Teton itself and nearby Yellowstone. Many famous people maintain vacation homes in and around this area. The combined elements of beautiful mountain scenery, Old West heritage, tourist traps and celebrity residents give this small town a unique atmosphere both cosmopolitan and frontier.

Contents

Understand

The terms "Jackson" and "Jackson Hole" are often mistakenly interchanged. "Jackson" is the name of the town. "Jackson Hole" refers to either the greater valley area (including, for example, the towns of Wilson and Kelly) or the Jackson Hole ski resort.

Jackson transforms from a popular ski town during the winter into a mecca for travelers here to admire and participate in boundless summer beauty and activities. Meanwhile, in the spring and fall seasons, the town slows down as only the 6,000 or so year-round residents remain (and many of them may leave during this time as well) and many of the hotels and restaurants close for the season. Each of the seasons have their pluses and minuses depending on the visitor's expectations and desires, but it pays to know what time of year is best for what activity, especially in Jackson's unique high-altitude environment.

Jackson Hole Visitor Center, 532 North Cache Drive, +1 307 739-3606 [7]. Mostly a gift shop, but also very friendly staff with good maps and local knowledge, and some wildlife exhibits on the upper floor and outside. On your right on the way out of town on Hwy 89 north.

Get in

By plane

Jackson Hole Airport (IATA: JAC) [8] lies within the boundaries of Grand Teton National Park. The airport is regularly serviced by American, Delta, Frontier, and United. Some airline service is seasonal.

By car

Jackson is a few miles south of Grand Teton National Park on U.S. Route 191. Wyoming State Highway 22 intersects US-191 in Jackson, connecting to Victor, Idaho. The nearest city of size, Salt Lake City, Utah, served by several major airlines, is about a five hour drive from Jackson.

Get around

The town is small enough to be explored by car, walking, or bicycle. Also, the town provides a bus service [9].

See

Town Square — On U.S. 26/89/191 (which become Cache Drive), with Deloney Avenue to its north and Broadway Avenue to its south. Jackson's town square has unique arches at each of its four corners. These arches were constructed from hundreds of elk antlers. In the center of the square is a memorial to area soldiers. Surrounding the square are many shops and art galleries. During the summer months, actors stage a shoot-out skit at one corner of the square, complete with bank robbers, showgirls, a stage coach, and a lovable drunk doc.

Jackson Hole Museum, 105 North Glenwood Street, +1 307 733-2414 [10]. Open M-Sa 9:30AM-6PM, Su 10AM-5PM. Over 50 years old, this museum houses almost 12,000 antiquities that range from Native American artifacts, to objects and tools from the area's first settlers and traders. Also features exhibits on the history of Jackson, Jackson Hole, and the surrounding National Parks. Walking tours available. $3 adults, $2 seniors, $1 students.

National Elk Refuge, +1 307 733-9212 (email: <nationalelkrefuge@fws.gov>) [11]. Every day, 8AM-7PM summer, 9AM-5PM winter. The National Elk Refuge preserves land for the more than 5000 elk that migrate to the area each winter. Though wildlife is easily viewable from the main Refuge Road, a highlight of a visit to the refuge is a ride on a horse-drawn sleigh, offered daily every year from December to April, depending on snow conditions. Hiking is limited in the refuge.

Grand Targhee Resort, 3300 East Ski Hill Rd., Alta, +1 307 353-2300 [16]. Located over Teton Pass, about an hour and a half from Jackson, this mountain that receives of 500 inches of snow every winter might be worth the trip for a taste of fresh powder.

Hiking — An extensive network of trails runs through the mountains just outside of town, most easily accessible from the Cache Creek trailhead. Superb hiking opportunities abound in the nearby National Parks.

Horse Creek Ranch, 9600 South US Highway 89, +1 307 733-6556 [17]. Offers morning and afternoon rides up to the top of a mesa for a spectacular view of a section of Lewis and Clark's trail, followed by a pretty good cowboy meal. Guides are helpful and friendly. Great family activity. Around $45 per rider for a 2-hour ride plus meal.

Barker-Ewing River Trips, 945 West Broadway, ☎800.448.4202, [1]. A family owned and operated Snake River whitewater rafting and float company with guides and gourmet meals.$50 - $300.

Mad River Boat Trips, 1255 South US Highway 89, +1 800 458-7238 [18]. One of several float companies in Jackson, offering scenic leisurely trips or whitewater rafting trips with up to Class 3 rapids on the Snake River. Great fun with safe and knowledgeable guides. Great for older kids.

Day Spas Jackson Hole supports a community of people in the healing arts. You can do your part by supporting some great local day spas whose quality and service rival the big resorts.

Tootsy's Footsy Lounge (Massage & Day Spa), 565 N Cache suite 6 (3 or so blocks N of Town Square), ☎307.413.4456, [2]. Tootsy's Footsy Lounge : Locals and visitors love this day spa for it's local charm, character and friendly prices. The signature special is the Deluxe 1hr Tootsy Footsy Massage for $43.99! There are 3 treatment rooms and Tootsy's Footsy Lounge can accommodate up to 5 people comfortably. Also try a Therapeutic Massage, a Tootsy's Feel Good Facial or even waxing (men's & women's). Advance reservations are requested. A 'Must Do' in Jackson Hole. www.tootsysfootsylounge.comextremely reasonable prices.

Profile Massage | ENSO Spa, 235 E. Broadway (2 blocks E of Town Square), ☎(307) 413-8949, [3]. 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.. The therapists at Profile Massage are regarded as the most experienced in Jackson Hole. They specialize in outcome-based treatments so you’ll leave the spa healthier and happier with effective relief from pain and stress. The spa features original artwork by Heather Erson and has space for large groups. Therapists can also come to the privacy and security of your home or lodging, making Profile Massage a valley favorite among residents and visitors who want to maintain low visibility and still get a quality massage. The spa is HIPAA compliant (which amounts to privacy and propriety) and the therapists are extensively trained and nationally certified. Profile Massage is an experience in excellent bodywork, not your usual cookie cutter spa fluff. $55-$200.

Buy

The downtown area has all manner of stores spread across several city blocks. Goods offered range from outdoor apparel to artwork to run-of-the-mill souvenirs.

Eat

Dornan's Chuck Wagon[20] — 7 miles north of town on Route 89 in Moose, Dornan's offers hearty chuck wagon fare for lunch and dinner (beef stew, ribs, beans, corn bread). But the real attraction is the view: picnic table dining at the foot of the Grand Tetons. Great for kids.

Snake River Grill, 84 East Broadway, +1 307 733-0557 [22]. Every day, from 5:30PM in summer, 6PM in winter. Offers excellent dinners, with local touches found in not only the atmosphere, but the menu and ingredients, too. Nationally recognized chef. Most sought after reservations in town. Rather expensive, about $40-$50 a person.

Sweetwater, on the corner of Pearl and King St, +1 307 733-3553. Great homemade soups and sandwiches for lunch, slightly expensive but awesome dinner (the macaroni and cheese side dish is a must).

Teton Thai, 135 North Cache Drive, +1 307 733-0022 [23]. Open M-F 12PM-2PM, M-Sa 5PM-9PM. Where the locals go for Thai food. Except for about 6 seats at the counter, seating is outside and BYOB. Excellent Thai food at a reasonable price. As of fall, 2010, Teton Thai located in Teton Village

Jedediah's, 135 E Broadway (1 block East of Town Square), ☎(307) 733-5671. 7AM-2PM. From the street this restaurant might not look like much. but once you go inside you'll find excellent service, great food, and awesome atmosphere. Be sure to try the sourdough cinnamon roll. Note: Downtown location has closed. Restaurant now located at Jackson Hole Airport but lacks the great atmosphere. $5-15, but typically have earlybird specials for breakfast.

Rendezvous Bistro, 380 S. Broadway, ☎307.739.1100. dinner only. Authentic French bistro food. Excellent. One of the most popular restaurants in town. [same ownership as Osteria and Q Roadhouse]

Trio, 45 Glenwood, ☎307.0734.8038. dinner year round; lunch in summer. classic American cuisine. very popular with locals. [closed until spring, 2011, due to remodeling]

Drink

Silver Dollar Bar & Grill, corner of Glenwood and Broadway, +1 307 773-2190 [24]. Located inside the Wort Hotel. Offers great drinks and food in an Old West saloon-style setting.

Snake River Brew Pub, 265 South Millward St, +1 307 739-2337, [25]. Every day 11:30AM-1AM. A good place to go for an excellent microbrew at the end of a long hike or ski. Award winning beer and a boisterous atmosphere.

Sleep

Generally speaking, hotel prices and availability in Jackson can fluctuate wildly by the season. During the summer months (and especially summer weekends) hotel rooms can be very difficult to obtain without a reservation or without a lot of money. During the wintertime, there are typically always rooms available, however prime rooms near the ski resorts may require advance planning and additional funds. On the other hand, during the off-season, many hotels in town close due to lack of demand.

Budget

The Hostel, 3315 McCollister Drive, Teton Village, +1 307 733-3415, [26]. Perhaps the best deal in the best location in Jackson Hole. Hostel X is right in Teton Village at the base of the mountain. Sweeping views, cheap rooms and a big rec room make this a nice choice for folks who want a good location at a good price. You can also have dogs in your room, though you should ask about this first.

Splurge

Amangani, 1535 North East Butte Road, +1 307 734-7333 (email: <amangani@amanresorts.com>) [41]. This impressive hotel is one of its kind in the USA. Aman Resorts is one of the world's premiere hotel chains, and this property features just a few rooms, outstanding facilities and location, and very friendly staff.

Four Seasons Resort Jackson Hole, 7680 Granite Road Loop, Teton Village, +1 307 732-5000 (fax: +1 307 732-5001) [42]. This luxurious ski-in/ski-out resort makes your experience in Teton Village a memorable one. The resort has great features, such as outside heated pools to warm you up after a day out on the slopes.

Hotel Terra Jackson Hole, 3335 West Village Road, Teton Village, +1 307 739-4000 (email: <informationjac@terraresortgroup.com>) [43]. Hotel Terra is an eco-boutique hotel that emphasizes modern design as well as environmental responsibility. This luxury green hotel is one of just five LEED-certified hotels in the US.

Camping, of course, abounds on the nearby National Forest, National Park, and BLM lands, and can range from isolated dispersed camping to highly sought-after sites reserved months in advance. Most camping spots, however, will require at least a half-hour drive from Jackson town proper.

This is a usable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please plunge forward and help it grow!